Jersey Girl

I got home last night at 11:30 from my weekend in NJ. I think "fabulous" would be the word to describe the weekend. Peg and Mare, do you agree?? From the Fashion Show at the Stone Harbor Yatch Club, to our night out at the P, we had a lot of laughs, especially the silent type. The Fashion Show was a benefit for the Play with Jack Foundation, which was started in memory of Jack Cremin, who lost his battle with Ewing's Sarcoma 5 years ago. Jack is the oldest brother of my sister in law Pat. He was one of those "larger than life" people, just a wonderful guy who was generous to all, and everyone's friend. His family started the foundation, and through it has been able to raise money to help other families with expenses related to cancer treatment. Pat comes from a large family and it was great to see them all again. On Sunday we went to brunch at her sister Mickey's house, which in on the bay in Avalon. As we sat on the deck enjoying the delicious food and the gorgeous view, Peg commented to me, "Isn't this how you spend all your Sunday mornings?"

It was nice to have a break, I have to say. It was nice to just be myself again, and to remember that I can actually hold an adult conversation when given the opportunity. It was great to sit in the airport and read the latest issue of People magazine and people watch. It didn't even bother me when I had to get a later flight home, as Pat generously gave me a buddy pass to use. That was an excuse for dinner by myself, more reading, and more people watching. But the best part of the weekend was being with my two sisters, with Pat and her sisters, and her friends. Staying out till midnight in a bar, then sitting around and talking about it all the next morning. Leisurely, with nowhere to be and no one needing anything.

Of course, I sure was happy to see my three favorite happy faces this morning. And Terry sure was happy to see me! A big thanks to him as well; I wouldn't have given a thought to going, and he really encouraged me to take the time for myself. Each time I called home he assured me that everything was fine, to just have fun while I was there. I think this could be our new annual girl's weekend. I know I am already looking forward to next year.

Oh, and sorry for not having any pictures, I didn't even want to bring my camera with me, that is how footloose and fancy free I was!

The Power of One

Today was supposed to be my Y day, but Michael has had some GI issues the past few days, plus a green runny nose. Terry offered to keep him at home, while I took Emily with me. We took Sophie to school, and Emily got to come in with me; when I have both, we do carpool. It was nice to be able to walk Sophie to her room, and to let Emily see where she will be 2 mornings a week starting next fall. As we left school, the tempation was just too strong...go to the Y when I only have one child with me? Why not Kohl's instead?? I had a coupon burning a hole in my purse, and the thought of not dealing with a double stroller was just too tempting. We pulled in to Kohl's, I carried Emily in, and used their stroller. When you have twins, this doesn't happen until they are at least 2 1/2 or so. No way could I manage to get them from the car to the store without using my own stroller. No diaper bag to carry, a cup and snack fit nicely in my purse. How liberating! We had fun shopping, and even ran into another mom with 11 mth old twins, whom of course we had to chat with. (It's the Dotty in me!) Hers aren't walking yet, and she wanted to know when mine did, and if walking would make things easier. Ha! It does make a lot of things easier, but the containment factor becomes much more important. On the way home from Kohl's I realized I wanted to see if Kmart had the sippy cups I had been looking for. Fine, just pull in and again, carry in Emily...wow, so easy!

Terry and Michael had a fine time at home. They were busy removing the old shelves from our office closet to make room for the new improved storage system. Then they took a long walk up and down the street. Emily was asleep when we got home, and Michael was in his chair trying to eat yogurt, but only managing to rub his eyes. I guess all that one on one attention tired them both out!

A little bit of this and that

There's not really a subject for this post, I noticed I haven't posted in awhile. Let's see, Terry and I both had a stomach bug this past Monday, that was fun. Who takes care of the kids when both Mom and Dad are in the bathroom? It hit me about 5am, and Terry didn't succumb till about 9am. By the time he went back to bed, I was able to stand, so I took the kids to the basement and let them tear it apart while I laid on the couch. Luckily my friend Lisa took Sophie for the day. She loves playing with Lisa's kids, Cate and Garrett. Michael and Emily took a long nap, I think they knew we needed one as well. The good news is by Tues I was better, and none of the kids got it.

Sophie has started swim lessons, and is enjoying them. My motivation: get her as independent as possible for this summer. Since Michael and Emily will both require full adult attention in any water situation, the more independent Sophie is, the better. She loves the water, and by the end of last summer was in the shallow end without a float. Her lessons start with the kids wearing the float, but the goal is to get them out of it. She and Noah are in the same class, and that makes for some funny conversation. Last week I took both of them as Kathleen was out of town. We headed to the family dressing room to get changed. Without prompting, they each went to a separate corner, backs to each other, to disrobe. However, the temptation to compare undies was just too strong, and they settled for holding the pair out for the other to see once it was off their body. For the record, Cars and Cinderella. Here they are paying rapt attention to their instructor, although pictures taken at the indoor pool aren't all that great.

Michael and Emily are about to turn 18 months and are really funny to be around right now. They love to play together, even though they have NO CLUE about sharing, so every few minutes one of them steals whatever the other has. Short of getting two of everything, there really is no solution except time and maturity for that dilemma. Even getting two of everything wouldn't solve it, I don't believe. The thrill is in having what someone else has, not your own boring toy. Some of their favorite things are playing chase, their own version of peek a boo/hide and seek, climbing up the stairs as fast as possible, and coming back down. They differ in their approach to that; Michael does what most kids his age do, he backs down the steps. Not Emily. She holds on to the railing, or rather to the hardware that holds the railing to the wall, until she gets to the balusters, then she uses them. But she walks down facing forward, as if she is 3. I tried to teach her the backwards way, she wanted nothing to do with it. Par for the course, as she is pretty opinionated....wonder where that comes from? Michael has gotten one important skill down, he can turn on the TV with the remote. Now, if Sophie could just get him to figure out how to change it to the Disney Channel, she would be all set.

And last, but certainly not least, here is the look Emily gave Michael after he took her cup in the tub. I am telling you, don't mess with her, you will get the frown.

Easter

Easter dawned bright and COLD this year; it was colder on Easter than it had been on Christmas Day. Such is life. Just put a long sleeve shirt under your fancy outfit, and you will survive. We had the grandparents over for Easter dinner, and that made the day a lot of fun. Terry and I are lucky that not only do all our parents like each other, but they are always willing to come to our house, so we don't have to pack up and travel. Personally, the day goes much easier for me when my kids have napped at home and are happy to see their grandparents. I used my china for the first time since having Michael and Emily, so I feel like I am really starting to get back in the swing of things. First it was paper plates for any occasion, then regular dishes, now china....life is almost back to normal...or maybe just a bit more manegable! Here are some pictures of the day:

Goings On

We enjoyed Spring Break last week. It was nice not having the rush of getting off to school or dance each morning. We did take a trip to the Zoo, and that WAS a rushed morning. To avoid the crowds, we left our house at 8:30 am, all three kids in tow, lunches packed, stroller packed, the whole nine yards. Doing as much as possible the night before was key. The Zoo was great! Since it was chilly, all the animal were out and active. This was the first time I actually saw the elephants and tiger. We also saw Mei Lan, snoozing on her log. If you do go, I recommend spending the extra $2.50 per person (for members) to get the Panda Tour. It was very informative. I didn't realize all the pandas are on loan, and will be returned to China in 2009. Kind of a bummer.

Emily really enjoyed the petting zoo, and was not afraid to get up close and personal.

Michael preferred to stay a bit closer to Dad, although he eventually ventured out.

Sophie, Noah and Samuel in the bird's nest.

The Amsterdams came with us, and the kids had a great time. I was busy taking care of the younger two, and Sophie so busy with Noah, that I didn't really notice she wasn't herself until we got home late that afternoon. She complained that her neck hurt, and was holding her head at an angle. The next morning we went to the Dr., that infection she had been fighting had gone to her glands. She had to miss the Easter Egg hunt at Nate's and was NOT happy about that. (Of course, neither was I, I missed out on some really good girlfriend bonding!) After a few doses of the non-penicillin related antibiotic, she was feeling much better.

Now that we have survived the Zoo with all three, I would like to go again before it gets too hot. Besides the animals, they have a fun train ride and merry go round, and a really neat playground. It's worth the trip.